Shale Shaker Equipment Soft Starter Options

A soft starter provides controlled acceleration for shale shaker electric motors, reducing mechanical stress and electrical system impact during the startup sequence. For drilling operations where full variable speed control is not required but the benefits of reduced inrush current and smooth mechanical ramp-up are valued, soft starters represent an optimal balance of functionality and cost. Aipu Solids Control offers soft starter configurations for the complete Hunter series shaker range, integrating this protection technology into the control system architecture at its API Q1 certified 50,000 square meter manufacturing facility in Xi’an.

Soft Starter Functionality and Motor Protection

The Aipu soft starter system uses solid-state thyristor technology to gradually increase the voltage applied to the shaker motors during startup, controlling the acceleration ramp over a configurable time period typically ranging from 2 to 30 seconds. This controlled voltage ramp eliminates the sudden torque application of direct-on-line starting, which can impose transient mechanical loads up to six times the motor rated torque on the shaker frame, screen tensioning system, and bearing assemblies. By reducing startup mechanical shock, soft starters extend the service life of these critical components and reduce the frequency of maintenance interventions. The Hunter-MG4D double-deck shaker with 5.4 square meters of total screen area and its dual motor configuration benefits from soft start control that ramps both motors simultaneously, maintaining balanced vibration forces throughout the acceleration phase. The soft starter also provides motor protection functions including phase loss detection, phase imbalance monitoring, and overload protection through current sensing. Under-voltage and over-voltage protection prevent motor damage from power supply abnormalities that are common on drilling rig electrical systems subject to generator load variations.

Cost-Effective Motor Control for Drilling Applications

Soft starters provide a strong value proposition for operators who need controlled motor starting without the full capability or cost of a variable frequency drive. For standard drilling applications where the shale shaker operates at a constant speed matched to the power supply frequency, soft starters deliver the primary mechanical and electrical protection benefits at a fraction of the VFD cost. The reduced peak current during starting eases the demand on rig generators, potentially allowing smaller generator sizing or reducing the frequency of generator load shedding events. For operations in remote locations where electrical infrastructure is limited, the lower starting current can mean the difference between a successful start and a generator trip. Aipu soft starters are integrated into the shaker control panel in NEMA 4X or IP65 rated enclosures suitable for the drilling environment, with simple pushbutton or HMI interface for operator control. The Hunter-MG5 with 3.8 square meters screen area and 180 cubic meters per hour capacity and the Hunter-MG3 compact model can both be supplied with soft starter integration. With over 15 years of solids control experience and exports to more than 30 countries, Aipu provides the application engineering support to determine whether soft starter, VFD, or direct-on-line starting is the optimal motor control strategy for specific drilling programs.

Choose Aipu for API Q1 certified quality. Contact us at info@aipusolidcontrol.com to discuss your solids control requirements and discover why drillers worldwide trust Aipu equipment.